Echo Spatial Perception (ESP) has moved to the cloud, introducing several benefits to developers. With Cloud ESP, all existing and new Alexa-enabled devices get the ESP feature with no requirement for device-side software changes.

We’re thrilled to announce the Alexa Skills Challenge: Tech for Goodwith Devpost, an opportunity for you to create an Alexa skill that has a positive impact on the environment, your local community, and the world. Your skill can be in any category, as long as it has a positive impact on customers.

Today we are excited to announce equalizer (EQ) and sound mode controls for smart home entertainment devices, available today for customers in the US across the Amazon Echo family of devices, and on select Alexa-enabled devices built using the Alexa Voice Service (AVS).

We are excited to announce that Alexa now supports kid skills in Australia and New Zealand. Aussie and Kiwi developers can now use the Australia and New Zealand Alexa Skills Kit to create skills that educate, entertain, and engage kids.